This charming Kensington cottage historic charm with modern updates, featuring a bright 2+ bedroom, 1 bath layout with a period fireplace and built-ins. The kitchen is well-equipped with stainless steel appliances and a wine cabinet. A versatile bonus room and a 225 sq. ft. detached studio expand living possibilities. The lush garden, wisteria-covered pergola, brick patio, and small putting green echo a storybook setting. Located in California, this home offers flexibility and comfort on a thoughtfully landscaped plot. Priced at $949,000, it benefits from proximity to top-rated schools, BART, and shopping, making it a perfect blend of history and convenience.

Front Yard and Driveway

A paved driveway curves gently up to the home’s entrance, bordered by a lush variety of greenery including manicured hedges and flowering plants. A mature tree with spindly branches and vibrant red leaves contrasts with the gray siding of the single-story house. White-framed windows punctuate the smooth exterior walls. Stone retaining walls form a raised garden bed, adding texture and historical charm. The entryway is accessed by a small set of concrete steps with a simple metal handrail. Overhead wires and neighboring homes are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Front Entrance

Wide gray steps ascend to a welcoming front porch painted in soft, neutral tones. The porch ceiling and supporting columns are crisp white, enhancing the clean, understated elegance of the exterior. A simple wooden bench with a gray cushion sits near the entrance, emphasizing comfort and charm. Surrounding the area are vibrant gardens with lush green foliage and a striking Japanese maple tree with brilliant red leaves, adding vivid color and natural beauty. The siding of the house consists of horizontal panels in light gray, contributing to the classic, historic American home aesthetic. A white metal handrail provides safety, while the scene is bathed in natural daylight creating a warm ambiance.

Porch Seating

A charming front porch painted in soft beige tones complements the classic white trim and detailed wooden railings with cross-bracing. The porch floor is a muted taupe, reflecting a warm, earthy vibe. A simple wooden bench with a gray cushion invites relaxation amidst the dappled sunlight filtering through vibrant red maple leaves just beyond the railing. The colorful striped doormat adds a playful contrast at the entrance. Beyond the doorway, the interior reveals gleaming hardwood floors and a beautifully detailed stone fireplace, enhancing the historic yet inviting essence of the home’s exterior and entryway.

Garden Foliage Detail

Delicately sharp and vibrant red leaves, likely from a Japanese maple, are captured in a close-up against a softly blurred natural background. The leaves’ pointed lobes and gradient shades of crimson reflect gentle sunlight, highlighting their textured surface and thin veins. Some leaves are in focus in the foreground, while others fade into a rich array of red hues, creating depth and warmth. This natural vignette of autumnal or seasonal garden beauty brings a dynamic contrast between the lively foliage and the muted, tranquil tones of the environment, epitomizing serene outdoor charm.

Front Door Entrance

The dark blue front door stands out against a cream-colored exterior with horizontal vinyl siding. Decorative glass inserts with geometric patterns add visual interest to the upper panels of the door, reflecting natural light and the surrounding outdoor colors. The clean white door frame contrasts sharply and frames the doorway neatly. The house number, 267, is vertically aligned in black metal near the door, providing a modern touch. Soft focus branches with red leaves in the foreground introduce an organic element and seasonal warmth that enhances the inviting charm of this historic home’s entrance.

Garden Detail

A vibrant Bird of Paradise flower stands out sharply in the foreground, its striking orange petals contrasted with a hint of pink and deep blue in the bloom’s structure. Surrounding thick green leaves provide a lush backdrop with varied lighting creating natural shadows and highlights. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the flower’s vivid colors and intricate shape. This close-up reveals a touch of natural beauty within the garden, showcasing the rich textures and dynamic color contrasts that suggest a well-maintained, colorful outdoor space filled with tropical or subtropical plants.

Front Porch Entrance

The entrance porch showcases a welcoming front door painted deep navy blue, featuring three decorative glass panels with geometric designs. The siding is a soft gray with white trim and a warm beige deck floor, harmonizing with the neutral exterior palette. A wooden bench with textured gray pillows sits under a large front window, offering a cozy seating area. The porch railing incorporates an intersecting X-pattern painted white, complementing the traditional architecture. Bright green plants and vibrant red foliage frame the porch, adding natural color and a serene, inviting atmosphere.

Front Porch Entryway

A cozy front porch area painted in a muted beige tone with horizontal siding surrounds a classic wooden bench adorned with two textured gray pillows. The dark blue front door stands out with its stained-glass window inserts, adding a touch of vintage charm. The door frame and window trim are painted in crisp white, providing a clean contrast against the house’s exterior color. Hardwood flooring inside can be seen through the open door, hinting at a warm and inviting interior. The porch ceiling and railing feature simple yet traditional craftsmanship, capturing the essence of historic American home design.

Outdoor Patio and Garden

A spacious stone-paved patio shaded by a wooden pergola with hanging light bulbs creates a cozy outdoor dining area. A wooden table with blue modern chairs sits under the pergola, adorned by a simple green plant centerpiece. Surrounding the patio, lush greenery includes manicured bushes and two small citrus trees laden with fruit. A stone pathway extends from the patio, leading up a gentle slope through landscaped garden beds bordered by short stone retaining walls. Bright sunlight filters through pergola slats, casting striped shadows across the floor, enhancing the natural, serene ambiance.

Outdoor Patio Seating

A quaint outdoor patio space under a wooden pergola with natural, rustic charm. The pergola’s beams create a pattern of shadows on the irregular stone-paved floor. A set of four modern blue chairs surround a sleek rectangular wooden table centered beneath the pergola. Lush green foliage, including a mature tree with thick branches, adds vibrant natural color and privacy, complemented by a lattice wood fence. The area’s warm sunlight and hanging string lights suggest a relaxed atmosphere ideal for outdoor dining or casual gatherings, blending nature with minimalistic contemporary furnishings.

Garden Pathway

A natural stone pathway meanders through a vibrant garden filled with lush greenery and blooming flowers. Raised stone planters border the walkway, housing small fruit-bearing trees, likely citrus, that add a charming and organic element. Mulch covers the ground around various shrubs and flowering plants, creating a neat yet rustic look. Solar lanterns line the pathway, suggesting a cozy ambiance during evening hours. The garden is enclosed partially by fences and neighboring homes, framed by tall trees in the background that frame this serene outdoor space with nature and tranquility.

Backyard Patio Seating

Flagstone flooring creates a rustic foundation for the open-air patio, which is shaded by a wooden pergola featuring natural wood beams. Warm string lights hang across the pergola, adding a cozy ambiance as evening falls. A sturdy wooden dining table is paired with four modern dark green chairs, blending contemporary style with the natural setting. Lush greenery surrounds the patio, including small trees and shrubs. The house exterior, with light beige siding and white-framed windows, complements the garden setting, while the adjacent bench and climbing vines on the pergola add inviting outdoor charm.

Entryway and Porch

Stone-paved porch leads to a charming entry door painted in deep navy with divided glass panes, allowing warm interior light to glow outward. A wooden pergola overhead is draped with lush green vines, softening the space and providing natural shade. Warm string lights hang beneath the pergola, adding an inviting ambiance as daylight fades. The exterior siding is painted a muted grey tone, contrasted by crisp white window trim. A stone retaining wall borders a small garden bed filled with varied greenery and flowering plants, harmonizing rustic elements with cozy, cottage-style aesthetics.

Patio Seating

A spacious backyard area features a large stone patio with irregular flagstone patterns leading towards a cozy seating nook. The seating area is furnished with a dark gray sectional and metal chairs on a striped outdoor rug, complemented by a vibrant turquoise side table. A large beige umbrella provides shade, while string lights woven through lush greenery and flowering bushes add warmth and charm. Surrounding the patio, flourishing garden beds hold colorful plants and small trees, with a winding stone pathway connecting parts of the garden. Tall trees and neighboring rooftops enhance the serene, inviting atmosphere at dusk.

Backyard Patio

A spacious outdoor seating area with a large beige umbrella providing shade over a dark gray cushioned sectional sofa adorned with several black and teal pillows. A small ottoman in front holds a tray with green glass bottles and cups. The floor is paved with a black-and-white striped outdoor rug on a brick patio. Beyond the seating zone, a stone pathway meanders through a lush garden filled with various plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, including a lemon tree. Soft sunset lighting creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere ideal for relaxation or entertaining.

Backyard Game Area

A cozy backyard corner with a small putting green bordered by low wooden planks and a rustic stone path leading to a simple stone bench. A lemon tree with ripe yellow fruit provides natural shade and adds vibrant color, while lush greenery and flowering shrubs frame the space. To the side, a raised patio area with a modern umbrella shades a gray woven outdoor loveseat, creating a perfect spot for relaxation. The overall aesthetic combines functional outdoor recreation with natural, garden-like elements and casual comfort, blending greenery and leisure effortlessly.

Backyard Area

A charming outdoor space with lush greenery surrounds a rectangular bocce or cornhole playing field bordered by weathered wooden planks. Fruit-bearing trees, likely lemon, provide shade and a pop of natural yellow color. A simple stone pathway meanders through mulch-covered ground, leading to a rustic stone bench for seating. The area is enclosed by a classic wooden privacy fence, offering a secluded feel. Vibrant flowering shrubs and tall trees create a natural canopy above, while a small, light-gray house extension with white framed windows adds quaint architectural interest to the garden’s backdrop.

Backyard Garden Seating

Lush, vibrant garden beds bloom with a variety of colorful flowers and greenery, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. A putting green for lawn games is bordered by healthy shrubs and small trees, including a lemon tree bursting with fruit. The seating area features a modern gray sectional sofa with plush cushions arranged on a striped outdoor rug. A large white cantilever umbrella provides shade, and a turquoise side table adds a pop of color. Wooden fencing encloses the space, enhancing privacy, while mature trees and well-maintained landscaping complete the peaceful backyard retreat.

Front Entrance Garden

A charming exterior entrance surrounded by a lush garden loaded with greenery. A wooden pergola with thick foliage shades a dark blue door with multiple glass panes. The house’s façade is painted in a muted gray tone with white trim around large, multi-paned windows that allow natural light inside. An irregular stone pathway leads to the entrance, bordered by various shrubs, plants, and small flowering patches. On the right, fruit-bearing trees add to the landscape’s vibrancy. The combination of natural materials and greenery creates a welcoming, serene, and classic aesthetic for this historic home.

Front Entrance

A charming house entrance with a gray wooden door featuring multiple glass panels and a small pet door at the bottom. The light beige exterior is complemented by a large white-framed window adjacent to the door, allowing natural light into the interior. Surrounding the entrance, a stone and concrete pathway is bordered by a small raised garden bed filled with green plants and purple flowers, adding a touch of nature. Overhead, a wooden pergola with thick vines and leaves casts gentle, dappled shadows, enhancing the cozy and inviting atmosphere of the entryway.

Living Room and Dining Nook

An open and inviting living room extends into a dining nook in soft neutral tones. The walls painted in pale cream complement natural wood floors and a black and white woven rug under the wooden coffee table with black metal legs. A light beige sofa faces an intricately designed stone fireplace with geometric patterns, topped by a round black-framed mirror and minimalist vases. Built-in white shelves flank the fireplace and continue to the dining area, where a wooden table and cushioned chairs sit beneath modern flush ceiling lights. Large windows invite natural light, brightening the airy space with fresh, green views outside.

Living Room and Dining Area

Soft gray walls and white trim create a serene backdrop for this combined living and dining space. The living area centers on a light gray tufted sofa adorned with patterned throw pillows in earthy tones, complemented by a wooden coffee table with black metal legs that rests on a textured gray rug. Adjacent is a small wooden side table with decorative plants enhancing natural warmth. The dining area has a simple wooden table surrounded by upholstered chairs in neutral tones, set on a woven rug. Built-in white shelves display carefully arranged pottery and ceramics, while large windows with white blinds allow ample natural light.

Cozy Living Room

Soft beige walls and white trim create a light, airy ambiance in this inviting living space. A striking dark blue door with stained glass panels adds character and charm. Natural light pours through two large windows showcasing red-hued trees outside. The floor combines polished hardwood and a textured area rug in neutral tones. A stone fireplace with geometric detailing serves as a focal point, complemented by built-in white shelving filled with decorative pottery and books. Furnishings include a light grey couch adorned with patterned pillows, a modern coffee table with sleek black legs, and a cozy armchair in the corner. A round mirror and minimalist artwork provide subtle accents, blending vintage elements with a contemporary, clean aesthetic.

Dining Area with Fireplace

A tastefully designed dining area adjoins a living space featuring a stone fireplace with an arched opening. The walls are painted soft white, creating a bright, airy atmosphere that complements the natural light coming through the window. A wooden dining table with rounded, upholstered chairs sits on a woven natural fiber rug. The fireplace mantel doubles as a display shelf decorated with minimalistic art pieces, pottery, and a round mirror adding depth. The hardwood flooring brings warmth to the room, contrasted by a black-and-white fringed rug near a light-colored armchair and green plants that add life and freshness.

Living and Dining Area

Light hardwood floors unite the dining and living spaces, highlighting a warm, inviting atmosphere. Neutral walls complement the soft beige upholstered dining chairs surrounding a light wood table. A mustard-colored throw adds a pop of color. Large windows bring in ample natural light and reveal autumn foliage outside. The living area includes a beige sofa accented with throw pillows, a modern coffee table on a textured gray and black rug, and a small armchair near a window. A dark blue front door with stained glass inserts contrasts subtly with the room’s overall light palette. Greenery in vases and planters enhances the natural feel.

Dining Room with Built-In Shelves

Bright and inviting dining space with a natural wood rectangular table surrounded by four cushioned chairs in a soft beige fabric. A large window with white blinds floods the room with natural light while white walls provide a crisp, clean backdrop. The flooring is rich, medium-tone hardwood that adds warmth. A built-in white shelving unit along the far wall is filled with decorative ceramics, bowls, and small art pieces, adding texture and interest. A light fixture with a white drum shade hangs centered above the dining table. Adjacent to the dining room is an entryway leading into a kitchen, visible with white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Greenery and a few framed artworks bring subtle pops of color to the space.

Kitchen and Sitting Area

The kitchen showcases a classic design with white cabinetry complemented by polished black granite countertops. Stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, dishwasher, and gas stove, add a modern touch while maintaining a sleek look. Two large windows above the sink invite ample natural light, illuminating the crisp white walls. A striped beige and white runner extends along the rich wooden floor, tying elements together. Beyond the kitchen, a cozy sitting area is visible with light gray walls, a comfortable gray sofa, a round coffee table on a natural fiber rug, and a warm-toned golden lamp, beneath a wood-paneled ceiling.

Elegant Kitchen Layout

Bright and airy kitchen with white cabinetry stretching along both walls, providing ample storage and a clean, classic appearance. The black granite countertops contrast sharply with the cabinets, adding a modern touch. Stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, complement the sleek design. The wood flooring warms the space, paired with an orange-striped runner adding color and texture. Crown molding along the ceiling and window trims enhance the traditional aesthetic. A single ceiling pendant light provides focused illumination, and the open doorway offers a glimpse into an adjoining living area, suggesting a fluid and connected home layout.

Cozy Bedroom Interior

A light and airy bedroom with white walls and crown molding framing the ceiling. A wooden mid-century modern dresser stands against one wall, topped with a dark vase holding dried pampas grass. Above, a round mirror adds visual interest. The bed, dressed in soft, neutral-toned bedding with subtle geometric quilting, sits between two matching wooden bedside tables each with a cream-colored lamp. A piece of abstract art in warm tones hangs above the bed. A beige textured chair with a tray holding mugs faces the bed, while a checker-patterned round rug in cream and natural wood tones anchors the hardwood floor, creating a comfortable, relaxing space.

Bathroom Vanity and Toilet

A compact bathroom corner with a white porcelain sink inset into a light blue vanity cabinet. The countertop is tiled with small white square tiles, edged neatly around the basin. The faucet and handles are brushed brass, lending a warm metallic contrast to the pale color scheme. Above the sink hangs a large rectangular mirror, accompanied by a modern brass light fixture. Adjacent walls are painted white, brightening the space and reflecting natural light from a window with white blinds. A framed abstract artwork adds a subtle decorative touch. A white toilet sits under the window, completing the minimalist yet elegant design.

Children’s Bedroom Corner

Soft grey walls create a calming backdrop contrasted by white trim around two large windows that let in ample natural light. A twin bed with a black metal headboard is dressed in white and light blue linens with a subtle embroidered pattern, topped with pillows in coordinating blues and a playful blue shark plush. Below the bed, a blue area rug decorated with white geometric patterns adds warmth to the rich hardwood floors. A round wooden side table holds a brass lamp and small toys. Nearby, a striped pouf holds children’s books and a small dinosaur toy, all blending comfort and playful charm.

Entryway Seating Area

A cozy entryway with a polished wooden floor and a distinct, warm wooden plank ceiling adds rustic charm. The focal point is a soft gray upholstered couch adorned with cream and gray pillows and a deep blue throw, positioned against light gray walls. A modern gold floor lamp emits a warm glow in the corner behind the sofa. Natural light floods the space from a large window beside the couch and a small rectangular skylight high on the wall. A round woven rug anchors a simple round coffee table with a wood top and metal legs, decorated with a vase holding delicate branches and a checkers game, while the open front door painted a muted blue invites in the view of the stone-paved outdoor area with greenery and a pergola.

Entryway and Laundry Nook

A deep blue door accented with multiple small windowpanes at the top opens to a warm space with natural wooden flooring and a matching wood-paneled ceiling. Adjacent walls are painted in a light, neutral shade to contrast with the darker wood tones. A round layered rug anchors two nested circular coffee tables, with one decorated by a checkers set and a black vase containing botanical branches. Through the door, a laundry nook houses a stacked washer and dryer in stainless steel. A large window reveals a trellised outdoor garden with greenery, adding a fresh, airy feel.

Laundry Room Details

A compact laundry room with stacked stainless steel LG washer and dryer units sits next to a window that lets in abundant natural light. The ceiling is clad in rich, dark-stained wood planks that add warmth and contrast against the clean, white paneled walls and cabinetry. Polished hardwood floors complement the ceiling’s tone, creating a harmonious blend of textures. A woven laundry basket with a folded white towel sits near the machines, enhancing the space’s functional yet cozy feel. The view through the window reveals a lush garden area with a pergola, adding an outdoor connection.

Cozy Living Area

A long beige sofa with textured and patterned throw pillows sits against a white wall adorned with two minimalist art pieces and a round wooden-framed mirror. Soft recessed ceiling lights brighten the space, complementing natural light streaming from wide windows with white blinds to the right. A plush blue textured rug covers the light wooden floor, contrasting subtly with the neutral tones. Toward the back, a small wooden desk and chair create a compact workspace beneath a window, accompanied by decorative pottery and a floating shelf with plants and ornaments. A woven pouf and a cozy armchair add warmth to the room’s inviting and contemporary aesthetic.

Sitting Room with Natural Light

A long, narrow sitting area featuring a light beige sofa adorned with patterned throw pillows sits on a textured dark-blue rug with fringe. Opposite a set of large, multi-paned windows that allow ample natural light, the walls are painted crisp white, enhancing the brightness. A wooden framed door with glass panes provides additional outdoor access. Minimalist abstract artworks in neutral tones decorate the wall. The wooden side table with a modern lamp adds warmth with earthy tones. Hardwood flooring complements the overall clean and airy feel of this cozy, contemporary space.

Listing Agent: Krista Miller of Abio Properties via Zillow